New York, NY (February 27, 2019)— The Academy of American Poets is pleased to announce that Jeffery Gleaves has been named Digital Engagement & Content Director, a new position that will oversee engagement and audience growth across social media platforms and digital programs and publications, including Poets.org and Poem-a-Day. Each year tens of millions of readers visit the Academy's online publications.

Gleaves, a California native, received an MFA in creative nonfiction from California State University, Fresno. Before joining the Academy of American Poets, he was the Digital Director of The Paris Review, where he digitized the Review’s entire archive, directed an award-winning redesign of theparisreview.org, and led the digital content team, which was nominated for eight Webby Awards. Prior to his time at The Paris Review, Jeffery worked at Dzanc Books and Counterpoint Press, during which he was also a web advisor to Harper’s Magazine. He lives in Brooklyn, New York.
 
"This is an exciting time for our organization and poetry with significant philanthropic investments from foundations and an unmatched growth in readers the past five years. As we look to build on this momentum, we're thrilled to have Jeff join us in this leadership role. His commitment to poetry and literature along with his digital expertise make him the perfect addition to our team," said Jennifer Benka, executive director. 
 
About the Academy of American Poets  
 
The Academy of American Poets is the nation’s leading champion of poets, poetry, and the work of poetry organizations nationwide. Founded in 1934, the organization produces Poets.org, the world’s largest publicly funded website for poets and poetry; National Poetry Month; the popular Poem-a-Day series; American Poets magazine; Teach This Poem and other award-winning resources for K-12 educators; and an annual series of poetry readings and special events. In addition, the Academy of American Poets coordinates a national poetry coalition working together to promote the value poets bring to our culture and the important contribution poetry makes in the lives of people of all ages and backgrounds.